Roman Britain

As a young Centurion, Marcus accepts his first post as cohort commander in Roman Britain. During the novel, he travels throughout the isle, including England and the Scottish highlands and lowlands. Many sites in present-day Britain are detailed in the novel.

Etruria

Marcus's home is Etruria, present-day Tuscany, Italy. He has fond memories of his family's Tuscan farm and longs to return there someday.

The Brand of Mithras

Like many members of the Roman Legion, Marcus worships the god Mithras and bears the brand of initiation between his brows. Mithras was the savior god of a mysterious religion originating in Greece.

The Eagle

The standard of each Roman Legion was a bronze or silver Eagle, carried on a pole. The Eagle symbolized the Legion's honor. Some standard bearers were even said to force cowardly troops into battle simply by advancing with the Eagle, since no soldier...